Börsandmeid

Börsandmeid is a traditional German dialect term that has been in use since the 16th century. It refers to the custom of an unmarried woman of modest means, usually a maid or a servant, attending the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the Börse, in Frankfurt, Germany. Historically, this practice was limited to women from rural areas or those of lower social classes.

These women, known as Börsandmeid, would rely on the information they gathered from the stock exchange floor to make trading decisions and thereby supplement their meager incomes. They would typically engage in various stock trading activities such as buying and selling stocks and bonds, often using hypothetical money as the basis for their trades.

The primary objective of these women was not to accumulate wealth but to gain a broader understanding of financial markets and trading strategies. By immersing themselves in the Börse's fast-paced and dynamic environment, they aimed to acquire valuable knowledge and experience that would aid them in their daily lives.

The practice of Börsandmeid is considered unique in financial history, as it highlights the enterprising spirit of women during a period when their participation in financial markets was largely restricted. Today, the term "Börsandmeid" remains a topic of interest among historians and economists looking to understand the early development of stock trading practices and the involvement of women in financial markets.